Here today, gone tomorrow

Let's discuss some players who seemed to impressive initially, but never quite kicked on after the early promise. There's the obvious ones like Macheda and Juanazi.

Anyone remember Michael Clegg? He got a game in the Quarters of the Champions League and really impressed. He played about 20 games, and early on looked like he was going to be a good player, but then seemed to disappear. John Curtis impressed so much, they put on him that famous painting of Cantona and Fergie.

Terry Cooke was highly touted in the youth team in 95. And I remember his debut, against Bolton, he lit the place up. The right hand side of midfield was up for grabs that year, with Beckham supposedly being a centre mid. But by the end of 95-96, he was playing for Sunderland and getting booed off for being shite.

Ronnie Wallwork was hugely impressive for the youth teams and reserves, was touted to ultimately replace Steve Bruce and was seen as pretty much a sure thing. Think he got a run around 2000 but his career obviously nose-dived.

I remember Erik Neveland being a goal machine in our reserves but could never make the next step. I also remember I use to watch the reserves every know and then at gigg lane and there was a player called either Neil or Robbie Mustoe?, Who use to always score from midfield, I was convinced he was going to be a star.

I remember Erik Neveland being a goal machine in our reserves but could never make the next step. I also remember I use to watch the reserves every know and then at gigg lane and there was a player called either Neil or Robbie Mustoe?, Who use to always score from midfield, I was convinced he was going to be a star.

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Yes! Totally forgot he existed but used to see him a lot in the reserves and you're right, he was a machine.

Him and his brother coached my Saturday league team a few years ago... Old Standians FC.

They were class. Light years ahead of everyone in the team. It really made me respect how good pros are as he couldn't get anyway near the first team. However, he did sit on the bench in a champs league game... the club had the shirt framed and hung on the clubhouse wall.

I always thought Keith Gillespie was supposed to be highly rated. Then he was included in the Andy Cole transfer.

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He very much was. But Keegan wanted him in the deal, and Ferguson thought with the foreigner rule in effect in the Champions League it was probably worth going for it. Ferguson admitted he regretted it and Gillespie said in his book he kept in contact with him throughout that first year, and tried buying him back 6 months later.

Naughty of Fergie, that. There'd be hell on if a manager did that now.